Anticipation was palpable the last four days over Thursday night’s special matchup between ESPN’s power ranked #26 New York Jets away from home taking on #28 Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
It brings back memories of all the games I attended at Cleveland Municipal Stadium back in the 1970s.
Online transactions for $0.00 were reported.
On the line for Browns fans aside from the excitement inherent in any Browns matchup is a free Bud Light, which following the win can be demanded at the stadium or many sketchy drinking establishments within the Cleveland area.
I can understand the need for a beverage after a Browns game. I remember seeing a game against the Kansas City Chiefs back in October of 1977. It was a little chilly at Municipal Stadium that day, and I almost missed Greg Pruitt take it 78 yards to the house, getting up and making my way down the aisle to go purchase a hot chocolate. The Browns won 44-7.
Remember those special Bud Light participants are:
Barley House, 1261 W. 6th St., Cleveland
Broadway Brewhouse, 3828, 127 S Broadway St., New Philadelphia
Offshore Bar and Grille, 130 Forest Dr, Willoughby
Bud’s Corner, 5750 Columbus Rd NE, Louisville
Grindstone Tap House, 826 Front St, Berea
Barley House, 222 S Main S.t #1B, Akron
Merry Arts Pub & Grille, 15607 1/2 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Game On Lakewood, 17103 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Portage Lakes Basement, 3420 Manchester Rd., Akron
Panini’s Westlake, 23800 Detroit Rd, Westlake
Grayton Road Tavern, 4760 Grayton Rd., Cleveland
The Galaxy Restaurant, 201 Park Center Dr., Wadsworth
Slim & Jumbo’s, 8101 Main St, Garrettsville
Loby’s Grille, 4736 Hills and Dales Rd NW, Canton
The NFL used to use allow fun jerseys that were called tear-aways, which no one took advantage of quite like Pruitt did for the Browns. Defensive players would look down into their hands and see traces of Pruitt’s jersey, but by then Pruitt was usually twenty yards downfield. After years of going through an almost endless supply of these jerseys, the always Cleveland loving and supportive NFL passed the “Greg Pruitt Rule” in 1979.
No more fun for Browns fans, Pruitt was too good with tear-away jerseys so their use was banned.
Pruitt would go on to win a ring with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1984, backing up Marcus Allen and playing special teams.
It’s hard to find much good footage of Pruitt’s exciting tenure with the Browns. He became the first successful “small” halfback in the NFL and was known to be gutsy enough to try nearly anything on the football field despite his lack of stature. John Madden his coach while playing for Raiders would later write about his amazement at Pruitt’s willingness to take on even the most dangerous special team roles.
Live Game Analysis
I’ve been enjoying a sausage and onion pizza from Dominos along with a fine local craft brew as I watch the game on the NFL Network. A “real friend” bought me the beer from Noble Beast Beer for free. On their website, the first thing it says is “NOBLE BEAST IS A TRADITIONAL BREW PUB RUN BY US – NOT SOME CORPORATION OR GROUP OF INVESTORS…US.”
I’ve sort of had about a third of a Catchweight Kolsch. It’s been fine, but I’m not really much of a drinker and get disinterested once my beer warms. I usually then do switch over to Diet Coke.
Actually, I’m watching at home for free with the adorable Erin Andrews and Joe Buck, who has a hair plug addiction. The last time I heard Buck was in the World Series obsessing about how Kyle Schwarber was going to become the next “Babe” Ruth and lead the Chicago Cubs over my Cleveland Indians. Some of that happened, but it was an enjoyable if frustrating experience.
Game Time
The Browns started the game with a quick three and out as I pondered the time Gib Shanley burned an Iranian flag on local television.
The new uniforms looked great and made the players easy to locate as the pass sailed well long. I’m sure they will sell a lot at local NFL outlets or online.
Joe Buck just called the “Victory Fridges” the best promotion in the history of sports. Somewhere, Bill Veeck former owner of the 1948 World Champion Cleveland Indians is crying.
Good thing that Joe could focus on what’s most important in this game between the free Bud Lights, the developing young teams, and the number one pick watching from the sidelines.
There was a Browns pass into the end zone that many thought could have been called pass interference. This led to what Buck described as a nearly “perfect punt” that was downed inside of the five. I’d really like to see some ugly touchdowns some day.
Darnold did not look very good trying to steer the Jets out of their own end zone. Myles Garrett, who I have actually heard of provided some good pressure leading to good field position for the Browns. It was noted that Garrett would be among the leaders for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Good analysis by Buck! He notes that the Browns first completion accomplished “absolutely nothing” on third down and that the Browns “messed it up.” Solid, but not really all that difficult, I could see that myself without others barking instructions into my ears.
Garrett just sacked Darnold. It’s a good thing that I read about him before the year when ESPN listed the 100 best players in the NFL. Sort of a blase sack, Darnold knew he was dust and Darnold flailed awkwardly to the ground mostly before Garrett got there.
The Browns held on the ensuing punt return, which compromised somewhat their early positional field advantage and good defense. It’s pretty amazing how much good defense can be obliterated with a silly mistake.
Luckily, Carlos Hyde (#97 on the ESPN list) took it out from inside the five to past the 20.
On 3rd and 2 Tyrod Taylor, our running quarterback lost six yards on a rush. Joe Buck started to use the “Mayfield” word.
Blocked punt!
Wow, the Browns had been doing well in that area earlier when they were nearly “perfect.”
Sam Darnold has six yards passing so far, which hopefully will keep him outside of the 25-yard line where the Jets took over.
The commentators are weighing whether we are seeing a defensive battle or offensive incompetence.
Army commercial. Bank Commercial. Some other commercials.
2nd Quarter
Ex-Brown Isaiah Crowell lazes into the end zone and scores a touchdown.
Jets 7 Browns 0.
“No one out pizzas the hut.”
Sleep Number Bed commercial has me eying my own bed, but I don’t want to miss any 2nd quarter action.
Wide open receiver severely underthrown by Taylor well downfield. Glad it wasn’t intercepted.
Taylor 1-8, 2 yards. Joe Buck has to admit that it was an underthrow. Don’t you usually err long with those type of throws?
Taylor sacked. NFL excitement!
Car commercial. NFL Shop.com commercial.
“How Sherlock Changed the World” over on PBS is looking interesting.
Lexus Halftime Report commercial.
Taylor not looking happy.
Darnold nearly threw an interception. He’s not looking very happy.
Two Browns coaches talking to Taylor apparently telling him to lead his quicker receivers downfield as the Jets burst past the 50.
Fun Fact:
Apparently, beer does not expire. You can leave it in your “Victory Fridge” almost as long as you need to, which will be as long as the Browns lose.
It looks like the “greatest promotion in sports history” has been designed to last more than three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Jets are marching down the field. Crowell to about the 35 of the Browns.
Jets down to about the 11, but I was checking my email. Sorry.
Crowell inside the five, having a good game. Buck, “Jets taking control of the first half.”
Troy Aikman, who helped Bernie Kosar get a ring in Dallas, notes that it doesn’t feel like “much of a party” as Crowell blasts into the end zone.
We have had some “unsportsmanlike” conduct.
Jets 14 Browns 0.
Announcers discussing the Browns fans’ expectations for this game. There is some booing and some “Mayfield” chants.
Aikman: If this Browns team does not win tonight, I’m telling you, they are going to lose a lot of people as far as their confidence what their season can become!
Complete sentence?
Taylor 2-11 2 yards. Mayfield would seem to be an option, but if he comes in and isn’t effective, it will probably be tough to get fans in front of the “Victory Fridges” next week.
Another “unsportsmanlike” conduct penalty for the Jets.
More penalties. Booing. Holding offense offset by another vicious attack by the Jets, another blow to Taylor’s head. Seems like the Browns are taking the worst even when the play is nullified.
The offensive line does not look impressive.
“That was sensational by Jarvis Landry.”
Landry was #52 on the ESPN list.
Carlos Hyde is driving the Browns down into Jet territory as Aikman and Buck discuss tomorrow’s morning show on the NFL network.
“2nd and 2. A little life for the Browns trailing by 14.”
Nike commercial with Colin Kaepernick. Someone is getting paid by every side apparently.
“If I told you who that was intended for I’d have to be guessing,” Buck.
Taylor threw a ball into the end zone to no one. Intentional grounding penalty.
That can happen when you are under intense pressure, but there was no one near Taylor either. They have isolated a camera on Mayfield.
Can the Browns use Mayfield in the second half and risk the allure of the “Victory Fridge?”
Cleveland holding penalty is declined in favor of letting the Taylor sack remain.
Another good inside the ten punt. “Mayfield” chants.
“Let’s talk about Browns championships.” This should be a brief conversation. I swear the NFL is mocking our city.
“Their Indian team is fantastic, running away with the division. So it could be a fun October here in Cleveland, but right now it’s not been a very fun September.”
There hasn’t been very much fun in Cleveland football since Bernie Kosar was cut in 1993. I wonder what could be done as a mission statement to change things. #retire19.
Baker Mayfield has a phone call. I wonder if it is from Browns management or a pretty girl.
Baker Mayfield has been alerted he is about to make his pro debut.
The NFL network can now use more cameras on the actual game.
Browns mess up good field position with a holding penalty receiving the punt.
Baker Mayfield has now thrown for a first down in every single play by the Browns he’s had. 2-2.
He just got sacked and fumbles. The Browns advanced the fumble, but it’s illegal to do that. Flag!
I’m liking the Mayfield era so far.
Three for three. “Perfection” ends and the field goal unit comes out.
Jets 14 Cleveland 3
The Browns new kicker just kicked the ball out of bounds. Apparently, you are not allowed to do that.
Taylor may or may not have a concussion.
“There is life, here in the stadium. There is life on that sideline because #6 is in the game. You just got a sense for that one drive, everybody, just kind of picked it up for the Browns on offense.” (Buck)
Would have been perhaps nice if the Browns hadn’t have spotted the Jets 14 points first, but these fans some with free tickets, Bud Light or not can say they witnessed Baker Mayfield’s NFL debut.
Halftime
Nap or Lexus Halftime Report and more commercials?
Erin Andrews just basically called that field goal by the Browns one of the most entertaining “three points she has ever seen!”
Lebron James has tweeted “Get it to Juice man!! Some way somehow! He’s a monster.”
I’m going to assume he means Landry, who leads the Browns with three catches for 42 yards two from Mayfield.
Halftime passing leader:
Mayfield: 3/4 47 yards 113.5 RTG. Total time on field 1:23.
Seems this could have been easier with a better game plan.
I will say that Mayfield time and again looked determined to throw the ball downfield when he dropped back, which seems like a good attribute for your starting quarterback and the overall first pick in the NFL draft.
It still might have been proper to have Mayfield get more experience before taking over, but, of course, Hue Jackson (1-32-1) didn’t stick to that game plan for very long did he?
I’m sure he and GM John Dorsey have spent a lot of time discussing it.
3rd Quarter
We open to an ugly injury to Browns linebacker James Burgess.
Darnold now has only one pass completed to a wide receiver. Great matchup so far.
Mayfield completes a pass to a tight end with a last name too hard for me to type.
“There is definitely a different energy with Mayfield at the quarterback position,” Aikman.
How much does the NFL network pay Aikman?
Dropped pass on an ugly throw to receiver Orson Charles.
Fourth down and the fans are begging for Hue Jackson to go for it from near mid-field.
He decides to punt. What a ballsy move. Hate to risk winning.
“Doug Pederson would have gone for it, but the Browns are not the Philadelphia Eagles,” Aiman says earning more money.
Perhaps equating the two actions and drawing consequences was too hard for Aikman because he remains in Jackson’s corner. Aikman gets paid no matter who wins. They all do.
Aikman makes about $5 million dollars a year but wanted more from Fox after they offered Peyton Manning $10 million dollars to do his job and he turned them down.
Turnover!
Browns force their sixth fumble of the season and recover taking over inside the Jets 10!
This was clearly Jackson’s reason to punt. Darnold hasn’t been setting the world on fire, why not put some pressure on down 11.
Hyde loses a yard.
Mayfield throws it away.
3rd and goal.
Nearly picked off. I’m guessing the Browns will attempt the field goal. Bud Light reps are seen putting more chains on the “Victory Fridges.”
Field Goal is “man, barely good.” (Buck)
Jets 14 Browns 6
Jets bring it out of the end zone to about the thirty, but due to a flag wind up inside the 10.
Darnold bounces a ball off a Brown helmet. The bright orange new helmets look very phosphorescent!
This seems pretty winnable for the Browns, but they all feel winnable at some point.
“They haven’t been very lucky on third down have they?”
Landry first down catch.
Hyde moves downfield.
This switch to using their best players seem to be working for Hue Jackson. Well done.
Landry backward catch to the 2. The longest play of the night by either team 29 yards.
“Not an easy catch… That’s a great job,” Aikman.
Touchdown Hyde.
Jets 14 Browns 12
Jackson oddly is going for two down two.
Mayfield is sacked, fumbles, two flags.
Do over. Fantastic!
Baker Mayfield just caught a pass to tie the game. All hell is breaking loose! Did someone put some amphetamines in Jackson’s Gatorade?
Browns 14 Jets 14
“This must seem like a Super Bowl for these Browns tonight,” Aikman.
Yes, that’s the problem.
Better coach?
LeBron James who tweeted, “ Get it to Juice man!! Some way somehow! He’s a monster.” at halftime.
Not sure if Hue Jackson is one of nearly 42 million who follow @KingJames, but he has plausible deniability because it is against NFL rules to use Twitter during games.
This doesn’t seem to be that hard of a rule to skirt, and after all, it was on during the halftime report.
Darnold seems completely lost against the mighty Browns defense.
He’s still lost as he moves the Jets within Browns 20.
Jets 17 Browns 14
8:58 remaining. This is where it usually gets painful. Browns fans seem to be craving a Bud Light and maybe even a victory.
Buck recounts meeting Ringo Starr who is apparently in town, but not at the game. Why am I not hanging with Ringo tonight? Buck apparently doesn’t know that Ringo is playing the Hard Rock Rocksino tomorrow night at 8:00.
Number 11 drops a pass by Mayfield that number 12 probably would have caught for a touchdown. The announcers start discussing how number 12 in now in New England.
Mayfield brings the Browns downfield, but a third pass is dropped on this possession by someone not named Landry. Mayfield bounced it right off Emmanuel Ogbah’s chest.
Hyde runs into the end zone. Celebration. Illegal block in the back by Landry. Ten-yard penalty.
Hyde short of end zone.
Razzle dazzle toss to Landy stuffed. 3rd and Goal. This might be the most important play in the last two years and three weeks.
Hyde touchdown!
Browns 21 Jets 17
Time to see if the right player was drafted first in the draft this season. This could be the end of Sam Darnold’s brief NFL career or its starting point.
2:04 seconds to victory and or Bud Light.
If Browns win, I wonder if we will hear about a bold coaching decision or a concussion.
Darnold almost throws it off a guy’s hands to the Browns but the ball hits the ground.
Seems almost impossible to stop the Browns from having the much desired 1-1-1 palindrome record last achieved by the Green Bay Packers in 1987! It’s been a special night.
Darnold has appeared atrocious all night, possibly deterred by the Browns defense, but it has been hard to tell.
Fourth down. Could be spread covering time for the Browns.
Jets are going for it with less than 2:00 from their 25 on 4th and 10. Nothing, but poor coaching can lose to poor coaching.
First down.
Interception Browns!
“It’s been 635 days since the Browns have celebrated a win. They’re a minute twenty one away,” Buck.
The ever-chipper Aikman says, “It’s not over yet!”
It might be for Darnold.
Third down and 1:11 until 1-1-1.
Fourth down Browns. Questionable field goal position with questionable kicker.
“We’ll see what Hue Jackson will do.”
Jackson punts.
Darnold has less than a minute to break Cleveland’s hearts and keep them thirsty.
My guess? Interception.
Darnold completes it 25 to an ex-Brown.
Darnold tripped up and the ball comes loose. Intentional grounding.
Browns fan can probably breathe easier if they were worried about using their pick on the wrong quarterback.
The hype over the next ten days before the Browns play the Raiders over the implications of the Baker Mayfield era will likely be very intense.
And there’s the interception!
I will gladly take a polygraph. No sleight of hand editing has been made to show I predicted that interception. I will take it under penalty of death.
Buck: Browns are going to win!
Aikman: Open the coolers!
Is this how Howard Cosell and “Dandy” Don Meredith described huge victories?
I’m glad we could share our joy with Budweiser.
Welcome to the #BakerMayfieldEra
#retire19
It must be pandemonium at Slim & Jumbo’s.
Please tell Budweiser to leave my hometown forever.
Begin the hype.
Aikman: The Baker Mayfield era has begun
I used to see the Browns play when I lived in Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Enjoy the #BakerMayfieldEra long may it reign!
